Vacay to the 'Lou

We just got home last night from our fun trip with the Semmler Family to St. Louis. It was a whirlwind tour of the city (kind of literally, thanks to OnStar...) and most of it we got to see through the eyes of two almost-three-year-olds! In three short days we visited Grant's Farm, The St. Louis Zoo, The Arch, The Magic House Children's Museum, had a fun-in-the-pool night, dinner al fresco with McKinley announcing that he'd poopied on the potty and lots of other wonderful memories. I especially love the memories of Rick curbing their car not once, but TWICE with all of us inside. I laughed so hard I nearly peed my pants. In his defense, the curbs DID appear flat...kind of.
Our hotel stay was great, the kids were wonderful (and utterly adorable, especially when getting their faces painted...so cute) and the city did not disappoint. We love St. Louis and have visited often over the course of our years together, this trip was definitely more focused on McKinley & Savannah but so worth it! I think at some point, each of us got to step back in time a bit to relax and remember what it was like to be a child. We even got to get our hands in on all the fun!

What a great trip and wonderful time with such good friends! Can't wait to do it again!
Lynn

Weekend in Btown

This weekend we hit Btown for a wedding and a photo shoot!

Cary's cousin Melissa got married on Saturday, so we came down for the wedding and reception. It was a beautiful ceremony and always a good time at a Vernon reception! My favorite part of the reception was when the entire Vernon Family (the siblings and Grandma V) boogied on the dance floor to Wooly Bully. Grandma always tells us that their home life was so hard that she always tried to lighten the mood and make her children smile and good old fashioned dancing was the way she did it! I love watching all the 'kids' get up there and dance with their Mom - who is now in her 80's and can still cut a mean, mean rug!

After our fun evening, we headed back to Mammy & Grandpa's house for the night. Cary had a tee time and McKinley had a date with Wendi from In Bloom Photography. I know Cary had a good time, but McKinley and I had a BLAST! It was so fun to watch McKinley & Wendi interact and 'play' in front of the camera. I saw, first hand, some of the shots as they were being taken and I literally do not think I can wait for the proofs. And little did McKinley know that his buddy Wendi had a great, old, junky fire truck waiting for him to oooh and ahhh over! How COOL is that?

SO FUN!

Thank you Wendi for an awesome morning!

Great trip to Btown!

Lynn

Two Strawberry Festivals in one week!

It's June in Indiana, which typically means RIPE STRAWBERRIES!!!!!!!!!! YUM!!!!!

This year, Cary found an 'extra' strawberry festival for us to attend...in nearby Rosedale. On Saturday, we visited the fest along with Nonna. We were all served up a HUGE portion of yummy goodness. McKinley was really more interested in the band setting up and all the people around (in true people-watching style...it must be inherited. I can think of a few people in his immediate family who love doing just that). At this festival there was a special selection of kiddie rides, McKinley chose to ride the ponies. Honestly, I'm pleasantly surprised at how easily he has taken to the riding and feeding of ponies and donkeys lately!

This evening was the Terre Haute Strawberry Festival...and when I think of that, I think of this post from 2008: McKinley's very first. Awww, cuteness! Our baby!

This time around our boy is a little older and accompanied by his buddy, Savannah! Thanks for the invite, Semmler's!

McKinley and Savannah didn't pay much attention to the festival's namesake - though I must say I enjoyed that shortcake! Instead, they wanted to play! When they each saw the horse and carriage rides they were awestruck. So, we left Cary, Rick and Austin on the ground while Robin and I took the kids for a ride. McKinley and Savannah got to sit up front with the 'driver???' for half of the ride and I don't think he was quiet for more than a second! As we passed by all the familiar surroundings he happily pointed out the fire station, the Indiana Theater, where we had just been the day before, our car, and even the red lights...all while holding Savannah's hand! Too cute. Savannah quietly enjoyed the ride and tolerated McKinley's tales of their adventures together. They were pretty darned precious sitting up there together. Rick took a photo of them sitting atop the wagon, I'm planning on getting a copy of that pic...it's too cute to not have!

After chatting with friends, devouring the shortcake (dessert before dinner??? WHY NOT?!) and taking our little downtown ride, we all walked over to Wise Pies, the new downtown pizza place. Everything was yummy and the company was great, as always!

And so begins the Festival Season!

Lynn

A Fun Visit...and a 'Bus'

This week, Mammy & Grandpa hit the Haute for a fun visit with McKinley (and Cary & Me, of course)!!!

Their first evening in town we met them at their campsite. We had dinner together inside their camper (dubbed a 'BUS' by McKinley), and soon Cary was off with his Dad for his weekly softball game. Denise (Mammy, aka my Mother-in-Law) and I took McKinley on an adventure through the local KOA. We bought some ice cream cones filled with DONKEY FOOD at the welcome center...to feed four sweet little donkeys on site. My, they were so happy to see us! I wasn't sure how McKinley would react to feeding the donkeys, but to my surprise he was thrilled at the opportunity! After the donkey-feeding time we visited two playgrounds: one for McKinley, one for Cody (my furry brother-in-law). By this time, it was time to go. We made plans for the next day and away we went.

In the afternoon, we met at our favorite local park for a little picnic and play time. I'm shocked McKinley was able to concentrate long enough to swallow what little of his lunch he did eat. Mommy had chosen a nice spot right next to the newly-functioning train! Not my smartest move, but who cares! We were all having fun! Grandpa scooped McKinley up and off they went on a little train ride. He came back with perma-grin...from ear to ear.

Onto the playground where, as Daddy & Mommy know very well, McKinley could happily stay for HOURS. I hung back and tried to give Mammy & Grandpa some special time with McKinley. Cody and I grabbed a big bench swing and enjoyed the cool-ish breeze. Suddenly, a light rain came and we relocated back at our house where McKinley was pleased as punch to show off his new big boy room.

Later that evening we had dinner together and said goodbye. We so enjoyed the visit and can't wait until next time. McKinley will be talking about this for weeks!

Lynn

A Very Retro Movie Experience

Today was AWESOME! This summer (and evidently, for the last 5 summers as well), the Indiana Theater here in the 'Haute is offering a Free Family Film Festival. Rock on.

Not having to pay to test out our almost-three-year-old in a real movie theater for the first time? Free.

The look on his face and the audible, "WOW!!!!!!!!" when we walked into the old theater? Yeah, pretty much priceless.

For starters, I was seriously excited to share this experience with McKinley (as always, sad when we can't include Cary...darn jobs...blecchhhh) because this very movie theater is where I remember seeing my first movie with MY Mom...E.T.! Yes, that dates me...a week post 32nd bday too. Ugh. McKinley was in love. Obviously so was Savannah, who joined us with her Mommy too! I love that we did this! I'm hoping as the summer pushes on we can include more friends, more family and even those Daddies of McKinley and Savannah on their days off!

As we walked into the huge, still beautiful but in need of renovation, theater we were welcomed with that familiar smell of delicious popcorn...which we promptly purchased. We headed inside and so many memories came flooding back for me. I don't think I have been in the Indiana for a very, very long time...but I have always loved it. I went to movies there as a small child, in junior high I attended a movie there with friends and no parents! As a teenager I remember being there with my girlfriends and seeing my crush sitting in the next row and barely focusing on the movie - though I think it was either Batman or Speed...maybe both??? I remember performing there with my dance company (which was an amazing experience) and accompanying a friend on a date in which she was much too chicken to attend herself...I went as the third wheel because Cary was working nights at the time, and thus unable to join us.

Today definitely surpasses all of those memories. Being there with MY SON was incredible! I am definitely reaping the rewards of motherhood in moments like this.

I was so proud of McKinley, he sat through the ENTIRE movie, transfixed during part of it, even! We saw Ice Age 3, Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Cute! Robin and I really appreciated the little bits of adult humor, it kept us entertained in the extremely uncomfortable seats (hello? We need some padding in those suckers, please...). Savannah enjoyed herself quite a bit too, requesting to "watch it again! NOW!" several times. The kiddos even humored us mommies after the show with a quick photo shoot atop the balcony steps.

Once we left the theater, everyone came back to our house for an hour of play time in the new playroom (that currently still looks like the old nursery, but is getting painted next week - hell or high water, as they say). Robin and I agreed that we definitely have to hit the Indiana again for an awesome playdate!

What a great day!

Lynn

BIG BOY ROOM!!!!!!!!!! Part 1

This weekend marks a BIG milestone in McKinley's life...and ours as well. Our boy is now in a Big Boy BED...and got a new Big Boy ROOM to boot!

Several weeks ago we purchased the new big boy bed but were fiddling around trying to decide when the 'right time' was to make the big change. We'd talked it up enough --- and perhaps waited long enough --- that I'm proud to report the big switcheroo was a rousing success!

Cary and I set out in the morning to simply set up the bed and move the crib (***sniff, sniff***) to storage. Well, mid-big boy bed construction Cary and I looked at each other and said...frankly, this would be better suited in the playroom! So, insert Plan B.

Plan B consisted of quite a bit more work but the end result was well worth it. The next few hours we scurried around moving EVERYTHING in the Playroom AND in the Nursery OUT and switching it back...all but the crib. When we were finished the Big Boy Room and slightly smaller Playroom end up being just the right fit for everyone!

I haven't been feeling well for a little while, but soon I will be doing well again and as soon as I am...we're painting! I just didn't feel like it, but it still looks great.

I am so proud of McKinley. We both are! The very first night Cary and I totally held our breath...we understood the question most parents end up asking is NOT, "Will he get out of bed?" but "How many times will he get out of bed?" After 10 minutes, we just looked at each other, not even wanting to jinx ourselves. After 20 minutes, we were absolutely wide-eyed. After 30 minutes, I dared to check the stautus of our Big Boy...he was sound asleep!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy Moly! Every night since has resulted in the same thing. It truly reassured me that not only were Mommy & Daddy ready to let go of our beautiful, serene nursery, but McKinley was absolutely ready for the brand new BIG BOY ROOM!

Congratulations McKinley! Mommy & Daddy are so very, very proud of you!

No photos of the Big Boy Room just yet...not until it is finished. Instead, in honor of that beautiful nursery where our beautiful baby boy rested his head...a few of my favorite things from the peaceful room.

We finished the nursery about two months before McKinley was born. When the chair and ottoman were delivered, Valentine took permanent residence. Here, here last morning nap in the room. I'm pleased to report she has relocated along with the contents of McKinley's room and now sleeps happily at the foot of the Big Boy Bed.

I remember every detail of what went into this room...painting, measuring and taping for the lovely stripes, antiquing the shelves, finding every little memento that sat in this room for 3 years. I'll never forget the day I found the Little Prince Pail. I think passers-by probably felt sorry for the poor, crazy pregnant lady talking to herself about a bucket. The Little Prince Pillow was a surprise find very soon after discovering that we had a BOY. The St. Benedict Medal was a gift given to us while I was in labor...directly from the Vatican, blessed by the Pope. The Willow Tree Angels, one a gift to Cary on his first Father's Day, the other a gift from my friend Jodi. Every heart felt detail that went into this room made it my favorite room in the house...favorite room we have ever done! And if you know us, you know that every room in our house has been renovated or redecorated AT LEAST twice! When I was pregnant I would go in the room, put my feet up and just calmly rest. After McKinley was born, I would occasionally go in just to smell that beautiful baby scent and literally bask in the serenity. I remember the first time we lay McKinley in his crib...he looked so tiny and the crib so big. I remember playing on the floor with him. I remember the first time we really looked into each other's eyes and saw Mommy & Son.

This room has been magical to me.

I know Cary feels the same way.

For a long time I was so sad at the thought of having to paint over those beautiful walls...and still I'm nervous at best, but now I know that McKinley adores his new digs and that room will be just as special!

So, to our Big Boy, bring on the milestones!

Preschool & Potty Training, here we come!

Lynn